Journalist: Arne Slot deserves ‘immense respect’ despite Liverpool’s recent struggles | OneFootball

Respect for Arne Slot remains vital amid Liverpool’s title defence

Liverpool Football Club has never lacked opinion. From the Kop to the far reaches of social media, every result, selection and tactical tweak is dissected within minutes. That intensity comes with the territory, but it also brings responsibility. During the Reds’ current title defence, with the team sitting 4th in the table, that sense of perspective feels more important than ever.

This week’s discussion involving David Lynch speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index cut through the noise and offered a grounded reminder of what Arne Slot has already achieved, and what he has had to endure.

Context around a season shaped by tragedy

Dave Davis rightly placed the human story front and centre when discussing Liverpool’s campaign. He said, “The first thing is around the tragedy with Diogo Jota because there’s no way to really quantify what sort of impact that has had on both Arne Slot and the squad.” 

David Lynch echoed that sentiment with clarity and compassion. “Yeah, 100%. It’s definitely something you have to factor into it when you’re talking about the whole thing because it’s not just losing someone who you worked with, it’s someone who is a friend and was very close to everyone in the squad.” 

Lynch continued, “To lose someone at the prime of their life, who was such a big character in the dressing room and of course to lose the footballer, because he was such a big player for Liverpool, it’s very hard to measure that.” Any fair assessment of the season must carry that weight. As he put it, “In all assessments of the season, that has to be factored in and be mindful of the way you talk about it.”

Achievements of a Premier League winner

Perspective also means remembering success. Arne Slot arrived and delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, a feat that instantly placed him in rare company. Dave Davis summed it up well, saying, “I understand some of the criticisms of Slot but this is a title-winning manager that has brought real class to the club.”

Winning the league at Liverpool is never routine. It demands tactical intelligence, authority in the dressing room and an ability to carry expectation. Slot did all of that while establishing a calm, articulate presence that resonated with players and supporters alike.

Photo: IMAGO

Online criticism versus Anfield reality

Much of the current scrutiny lives online, and that disconnect was highlighted clearly. David Lynch said, “Some of the disrespect I see online, I just find hard to believe. Arne Slot will never experience that inside Anfield because everyone in the ground acknowledges how he has handed himself.”

Anfield has always understood effort, dignity and leadership. Lynch went further, stating, “He deserves so much more respect and he is a fantastic head coach. He may not end up being the guy to take Liverpool forward, but he is still a Liverpool manager who won the league.” That fact alone carries lasting significance. “He’s one of two managers to win the Premier League at Liverpool, so he deserves immense respect.”

Measured judgement over knee jerk reactions

Football moves quickly, but history lasts longer. Slot’s Liverpool story already includes triumph, compassion in the face of tragedy and a standard of conduct worthy of the club. Debate is healthy, but respect should never be optional.